Special Emphasis Programs

Empowered by Executive Orders issued by the President of the United States, federal laws, and regulations from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), CISA commissioned the Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility (OEDIA) to design Special Emphasis Programs (SEPs) to place special emphasis on positive, equitable, and inclusive employment experiences for federally identified minorities. These programs are an integral part of the success of the Agency. OEDIA works diligently with Divisions and Offices, workgroups and committees, and employee association groups to identify barriers that keep targeted groups from achieving their career goals at rates consistent with the general workforce.

To inquire about CISA’s Special Emphasis Program, email CISA.OEDIA@cisa.dhs.gov. Learn more on how to raise complaints if you believe that CISA has failed to provide these services or discriminated in another way because of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age (40 & over), physical or mental disability, or retaliation. 

CISA is dedicated to promoting affirmative employment practices in accordance with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s Management Directive (MD)-715. As such, we are committed to creating a positive employee experience where all employees are valued, respected, and provided with equal opportunities for advancement and professional development. Our efforts include proactive recruitment, retention, and promotion strategies aimed at ensuring fair representation of highly qualified individuals who reflect the different demographic backgrounds of our great nation, which strengthens our workforce and enhances our ability to effectively fulfill our mission. See our Affirmative Action Plan.